While exploring different slip stitches and shaping methods for a class topic, I came up with these simple roses -- NO shaping.

The light pink roses shown are made of several different kinds of slip stitches. (It’s more obvious when you touch them or see the petal rims from different angles.) Some slip stitches are thicker, stiffer, more rose like, etc. I learned to see slip stitch edges in a new way: each type of slip stitch has a different-looking edge, which affects the flower effect. Petal rim textures factor in to a flower’s overall look. Who knew?

Yarns used for the deeper-colored bunch of four, clockwise from top right: Phydeaux Silky Caress (I love what the dyeing of this yarn does to petal rims; also the silk sheen brings them out more), Abuelita in a coral lipstick color, Mountain Colors Bearfoot (the mohair adds a slight bristle surprise, almost a woven basket effect), and Spud & Chloe Fine (the silk is like tiny gold threads that change the look of the surface; the rosebud caused me to notice this about the yarn for the first time!).

Something about the fluffy pink Filatura di Crosa Superior roses makes me swoon. This yarn also has silk, so the petals glow. The cashmere looks and feels lush.

In the tiny pink rose bowl, the small burgundy one is the only one I tried with a cotton crochet thread (Opera #5). I like its compact sheen, as if it has silk content.

Please see my newsletter issue #53 for more, and of course sign up for my Slip Stitches Shapes & FX class at the CGOA conference in Charlotte NC (2013).